Time Table Your Guide Book to the Pacific Railroad, 1879 Sheep Raising in Wyoming The Laramie Plains are a paradise for sheep. It has generally
been claimed that sheep will live and do well where antelope thrive, but they
require hay and shelter in order to be successfully carried through the storms
of winter. Within the last few years a great number of men have invested
capital in sheep husbandry in the vicinity of Laramie, and without an exception
they have done well where their flocks have received the requisite attention and
care. Among the shepherd kings of the plains may be mentioned the
firms of Willard & Kennedy, King & Lane, Rumsey & Co., T. J. Fisher
& Co., and others. Willard & Kennedy have about 6,000 in their flock and
have accommodations at their different ranches for 10,000 sheep. Their home
ranch is on the Laramie River, about twenty miles due west from the city, and is
worthy of a visit from any traveler who desires information on the subject. They
are Boston men and are meeting with success because they give their personal
care and attention to the business. Their sheep are divided into flocks of about 2,500 each; this
number is all that can be well cared for in a flock. One man, a pony, and one or
two good shepherd dogs are all that are necessary to care for a flock, though
some flocks are cared for without the pony or dogs. Mexican herders or shepherds are the best and usually cost
about $25 a month and board. They have long been accustomed to the business in
New Mexico. Time Table |